Trich Talks!

In this first episode of Season 6, Barbara shares the story of how Trich Talks began: a podcast born from the need to hear real stories, honest conversations, and the voices of people living with trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors. She talks about why storytelling has always been so important to her, and how it helped her feel seen, understood, and less alone. This season...

In today’s episode of Trich Talks , Barbara answers listener questions on a range of topics — including how the Keen2 works, whether she has experienced changes in hair regrowth after long-term pulling, and her New Year’s resolution. Ring in the new year with a conversation led by someone who truly understands the trichotillomania experience. — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen...

In today’s episode, Barbara reads from her book, The Trichster Diaries . She shares deeper, more personal reflections on living with trichotillomania, speaking openly about self-acceptance, the importance of honesty, and the complexity of acknowledging feelings that don’t fit neatly into recovery narratives. Rather than framing this awareness as something to hide or fix, the conversation centers o...

Angela Hartlin @angelahartlin is a mental health advocate from Nova Scotia, Canada, and author of FOREVER MARKED: A Dermatillomania Diary . She stars in the only documentary about compulsive skin picking, Scars of Shame , and received treatment for the condition after appearing on the CBS daytime talk show, The Doctors. Angela was published in Mabuse-Verlag’s 2022 German compilation of recovery st...

Laura Hope (@hopeandhealingcoach), psych PA-C & BFRB coach, combines clinical expertise with lived trichotillomania experience to empower the BFRB community through habit coaching, support groups, and a BFRB Salon & Spa Directory. Learn more by visiting hopeandhealingcoach.com — This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wris...

In this episode, Barbara reads from The Trichster Diaries , offering more glimpses into her life with trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder she’s learned to navigate with honesty and humor. She reflects on the layered emotions of reconnecting with someone from her past and what it meant to open up about her experience in a way she never had before. Barbara also talks about the surprising feeli...

In this heartfelt episode, Barbara reads from her memoir The Trichster Diaries , sharing an intimate look into her college years. Barbara reflects on a time filled with growth, new independence, lasting friendships, and the joy of discovering who she was becoming as a young adult. Alongside these defining experiences, she also opens up about navigating life with trichotillomania during this transf...

Charlene’s @helpme2stop mission to transform TTM care comes from her blend of artistry, holistic understanding, and belief that hair can recover. After studying nursing and beginning her career as a hair extension specialist in 1991, she shifted to advanced hair replacement—but quickly rejected traditional methods that required shaving natural hair. Her philosophy became simple: preserve, don’t de...

Sonja @the_curiousquill25 is a young adult and mental health advocate who openly shares her experiences living with symptoms of trichotillomania, even without a formal diagnosis. Through her journey, she has learned the power of self-awareness, compassion, and resilience, and now uses her platform to help others do the same. On her Instagram page, she explores topics like growth mindset and mental...

In today’s episode, Barbara returns to The Trichster Diaries. She talks about wearing synthetic hair extensions to cover her thinning hair, swimming in the ocean with sunglasses on to hide her eyelashless eyelids, and the constant effort to appear “normal.” As she prepares to enter college, Barbara reflects on the strange sense of peace that comes with letting go of old pressures and stepping into...

In this episode of Trich Talks , Barbara dives into your most thoughtful and relatable questions. From finding ways to feel lovable and beautiful even when pulling starts to get tough again, to sharing her most “necessary” (and yes, sometimes expensive!) Trich Tax, Barbara opens up with honesty, humor, and heart. Tune in for real talk, gentle encouragement, and the reminder that you’re never alone...

In today’s episode, Barbara returns to The Trichster Diaries , revisiting some of the hardest moments from her high school years. She shares what it was like when pulling in public became more frequent, and when she realized her trichotillomania was no longer something she could quietly manage. From quitting the swim team to switching classes (a big deal at her school), this episode captures the m...

Ashley (@bfrb_ashley) lives with six different body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including trichotillomania. This made it especially challenging for her to come forward as a BFRB and mental health advocate. However, through her journey, Ashley discovered a deep sense of passion and purpose in BFRB advocacy, which eventually led her to become one of the hosts of The BFRB Podcast . As Ashle...

Saharra @saharradixon is a Health Education Specialist, digital and performance-based storyteller, health equity researcher, and nonprofit leader dedicated to demechanize public health. With a passion for mental health, chronic illness, and reproductive justice in minoritized communities, she weaves creativity and narrative into her work—unearthing the fundamental causes of health inequity and ima...

Today marks the start of BFRB Awareness Week, a time to shed light on Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and uplift those who live with them every day. In this special episode of Trich Talks , Barbara is sharing some of the most valuable foundations, podcasts, support groups, and books that offer education, connection, and hope for the BFRB community. No matter where you are in your journey...

In this episode of Trich Talks , I'm joined by Ellen Crupi and Hilary Weingarden to chat all about the upcoming Great BFRB Get Together ! We're giving you a sneak peek at what to expect, from the vibe of the event to the sessions we're excited about and why this gathering matters so much to the BFRB community. Whether you're already signed up or still on the fence, tune in for a fun and heartfelt...

Sarah @smg9452 is 27 years old and from Long Island, New York but has recently moved out of state with her husband. She has been living with trichotillomania since she was around 14. Most of her hair-pulling affects her scalp, and although she still struggles with the condition and the resulting hair loss, she has come a long way in understanding it. For much of her life, Sarah felt alone in what...

Gabby @gabbynicolosi started picking her split ends in the 8th grade and little did she know, she would do this most of her life. As she grew up and life became more stressful, she began pulling full strands. Now Gabby is learning how to build awareness of her trichotillomania and stop causing so much damage. One thing that’s brought her joy in the process? Finding comfort in community. — This epi...

In this episode, Barbara reads from her book The Trichster Diaries , and dives into the different types of hair roots and her unique pulling pattern. She then reflects on how things have (or haven’t) changed since writing those words over five years ago. Listen to find out as Barbara shares honest insights into her BFRB journey. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned from...

In this deeply honest episode, Barbara continues reading from her book The Trichster Diaries and opens up about the specific rituals she engages in when pulling different types of hairs. She discusses the textures she looks for and the sensations that drive certain behaviors. It’s an intimate and unfiltered look into the patterns behind trichotillomania that many will find painfully relatable. Pur...

Alayna Offredi has lived with trichotillomania, as well as other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) since we can remember. After officially being diagnosed with trichotillomania at 16, Alayna has been involved in the BFRB community and has even attended support groups. Now living in Philadelphia, she is looking to attend an in-person support group in the area. Alayna wants to remind listene...

Liz Fisher @tapintohealth_eft is an EFT International Accredited, Certified EFT Practitioner. She originally found EFT while searching for cures for ongoing anxiety 10 years ago and taught herself how to use it by watching YouTube videos. It helped Liz so much that she decided to get certified and started her private EFT practice, Tap Into Health in 2019. In 2023, Liz launched a podcast of the sam...

In this episode of Trich Talks, Barbara opens up The Trichster Diaries and takes you back to her teenage years—the awkward, emotional, unforgettable moments of growing up with trichotillomania. She shares raw memories, especially the nerves and fear she felt around things like kissing, because of her bald spots. If you’ve ever felt held back because of your BFRB or unsure how to let someone see th...

In this special episode of Trich Talks , Barbara answers questions submitted by listeners! She is covering everything from how to explain trichotillomania to someone without a BFRB, to revealing her most unexpected trigger. With honesty and insight, Barbara shares personal experiences and practical advice, offering connection and clarity to anyone navigating life with a body-focused repetitive beh...

It has been five whole years since The Trichster Diaries was released and in this special anniversary episode of Trich Talks, I’m celebrating by sharing 5 fun facts about the book! From behind-the-scenes moments to unexpected interactions, this episode is a little love note to the journey, the readers, and the entire BFRB community. Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned...